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I was wrong! We do see the attendants in TLJ. They’re barely noticeable in Ren’s first scene in Snoke’s throne room. See them in the middle there by the oculus? Their glowing eye lenses. So creepy. Still don’t know where they were during the fight with the Praetorian guard, though.
Since hunkering down for this Ben Solo character study essay, I’ve had his motivations on the brain. And it just occurred to me– While I’m NOT convinced Ben was solely and completely responsible for the destruction of Luke’s temple (I could talk circles around the quotes that imply he was; maybe I will sometime)…if he was… Does that make it the Star Wars version of a school shooting? Jesus. And we thought killing his father was dark… Was Ben bullied? …
On Snoke’s page in the TLJ visual dictionary, there is a picture of a tall creature draped in a deep purple robe. You can see nothing but the robe and two glowing circles where their eyes should be, and very faintly, a buggy-looking face. I don’t recall seeing them or hearing about them in the film, so either it’s from deleted material or it’s just fun information for the dictionary. Wookieepedia says they were considered for TFA and Rogue One, …
“I took him, and a dozen students, and started a training temple.” TLJ Luke, thinking he’s too cool for the number thirteen to give him bad luck. Hubris, indeed. lol
I never noticed until yesterday that Ren’s sabre and Rey’s quarterstaff are perfectly aligned in the TFA poster. Coincidence? I think not!
Oh my god, guys, I’m freaking out. I decided to read Bloodlines (Claudia Gray, Del Ray, LucasFilm) for the sake of my Ben Solo essay–well, if I’m being honest, I’m skimming it for Ben information; politics really don’t interest me–and I found this. It’s a little flashback to a moment: “Never imagined this,” Han had murmured, sitting up in their bed at night, Ben’s tiny head resting in the crook of his father’s arm. “Having a kid. Even wanting a …
I remember this passage in the TFA novel really got my attention: [Snoke:] “I have never had a student with such promise—before you.” Ren straightened. “It is your teachings that make me strong, Supreme Leader.” Snoke demurred. “It is far more than that. It is where you are from. What you are made of. The dark side—and the light. The finest sculptor cannot fashion a masterpiece from poor materials. He must have something pure, something strong, something unbreakable, with which …
Also, I noticed a parallel I hadn’t yet: Snoke at the beginning of the movie, mockingly: “The mighty Kylo Ren.” Luke during his second lesson with Rey: “For many years, there was balance–and then I saw…Ben. My nephew. With that mighty Skywalker blood.” Probably a coincidence (is anything in this movie a coincidence?), but still interesting.
As I study Luke’s second lesson, I find myself wondering: Why was R2D2 just hanging out, watching the temple burn? I think he’s watching it; he seems to turn and look at Luke as the man approaches from behind the droid. The quote, “Some people just like to watch the world burn,” comes to mind. (Not sure where that originated, can only think of Alfred’s line in The Dark Knight.) But seriously, did R2D2 know Luke went to confront Ben? …
Another juicy morsel from the TFA novel: Halting, Ren slowly scanned his surroundings. Even though they knew what he was doing, the troopers still marveled at the display. After a long moment of deliberation, he motioned them toward the upper levels. “They’re here. Find them. Up there.” The squad immediately went into action, moving off rapidly in the direction he had indicated. Once they were out of sight, Ren turned slowly—and headed downward. Ben deliberately steered the troops in the …